I started updating my iPhone to iOS 17, and it’s taking longer than I expected. Has anyone else experienced this? What’s the typical duration for this update? Need some advice on whether I should wait or try restarting the process. Thanks!
When I updated my iPhone to iOS 17, it took roughly 45 minutes from start to finish. But honestly, the time it takes can vary a lot depending on a few factors. First off, if your internet connection isn’t super speedy, the download phase will definitely drag out. The file size is pretty hefty, so that initial download can be a pain if your Wi-Fi isn’t up to par.
Bandwidth and server load are major players too. Apple’s servers get swamped on day one of any major update, so if you’re updating right after the release like everyone else, it’s like trying to drive through rush-hour traffic. Crazy slow. If you’ve got time, maybe try updating during non-peak hours, like early morning or late at night.
Then there’s the whole storage issue. If your iPhone is jam-packed with apps, photos, videos, etc., the installation could hit a few snags. Freeing up some space might actually speed things along.
As for whether to wait it out or restart—I’d say hang tight unless you’ve been stuck on the same screen for hours. Restarting mid-update can sometimes cause more problems than it solves. Worst case scenario, you might have to restore your device through iTunes or Finder if things go completely haywire.
And for what it’s worth, my buddy updated his iPhone the same day, but his internet is faster and he had more free space, so it only took him about 30 minutes. If it’s really taking forever and you’re worried, it might be wise to check your connection, make sure your device has enough charge, maybe clear some storage, and try again.
Also, a little trick you might not think of—make sure your phone has a decent amount of battery or is plugged in during the update. It sounds obvious, but it’s easy to overlook. If the battery dies mid-update, that’s a whole other issue you don’t want to deal with. So yeah, patience and a little prep go a long way.
I feel you. The time for iOS updates can be wildly inconsistent. Let’s dissect the whole thing further.
Firstly, @codecrafter hit on some key points. But I’m gonna dive even deeper.
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Internet Connection: Yes, a slow internet connection can cause the update to drag. But beyond sheer speed, consider network stability. Even on a fiber optic line, an intermittent connection can cause the update to retry downloading portions of the update over and over, making it feel like it’s taking ages. A tip here: if possible, use a wired connection through your computer with ‘iTunes’ or ‘Finder’ on macOS. Wired networks don’t usually suffer from the same dropouts that Wi-Fi can.
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Apple Servers Load: It’s more significant than you might think. Apple’s servers are usually slammed on the first few days of any major update. Sometimes simply waiting a few days can make a difference. However, this may not always be practical if you’re eager to get your hands on the latest features ASAP.
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Storage Space: While not as frequently discussed, the state of your iPhone’s storage can play a pivotal role. Modern iPhones use flash storage which can get slower as it fills up. When performing an iOS update, having less than 20% free space can sometimes result in the update moving slower. Check your phone’s capacity before you start; you might need to offload some apps or media temporarily.
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Background Activities: If you have numerous background processes running (think automatic backups, syncing, etc.), this might slow things down a bit. Close all apps and stop all background activities where possible.
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Device Age and Model: Your iPhone’s generation can also impact update speed. Newer models like the iPhone 14 Pro will handle updates more smoothly compared to an older model like the iPhone 8 due to hardware limitations.
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Neighbours & Wi-Fi: If you live in a high-density area or apartment complex, Wi-Fi network congestion caused by neighbors could be slowing things down. Consider changing your Wi-Fi channel or use a 5GHz network if available to mitigate interference.
Here’s another angle to consider:
Sometimes, the problem isn’t on your end at all. Apple occasionally acknowledges when their server-side has issues. Head to Apple’s ‘System Status’ page to check for any ongoing issues with their services.
Safety Precautions before Progressing:
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Backup First: Make sure you have a recent backup either in iCloud or locally on your computer. This might sound obvious, but if something does go awry, you’ll breathe easier knowing you have a backup.
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Battery Check: Ensure you are at least 50% charged or connected to a power source during the update.
Restarting Mid-update?
I’d caution against this. Interrupting an update can potentially brick your device, requiring a more complex restore. If you’re absolutely certain the update has stalled (like it’s been stuck for over an hour on the same percentage), a restart might be necessary. Even then, try these steps first:
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Force Restart Your iPhone: Quickly press and release Volume Up, then Volume Down, then press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo. This won’t interrupt updates but could resolve a frozen screen.
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Restart WIFI Router: Sometimes the path of least resistance can be restarting your Wi-Fi router.
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Airplane Mode Toggle: Turn on Airplane Mode for 10 seconds to reset network settings; then, turn it back off and connect to Wi-Fi again.
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Try Wired Update Through Computer: Connect your iPhone to a PC/Mac and update via ‘iTunes’ (Windows) or ‘Finder’ (macOS). This method bypasses potential Wi-Fi issues and can sometimes speed things up.
If You’ve Restarted:
In case the device is malfunctioning post-restart, put it in ‘DFU mode’ (Device Firmware Update):
- iPhone 8 or later: Quickly press and release Volume Up, then Volume Down, then press and hold the Side button until the screen goes black.
- **Keep holding the Side button and, at the same time, press and hold the Volume Down button for 5 seconds.
- **Release the Side button but keep holding the Volume Down button for another 10 seconds. The screen should remain black.
- **Open ‘iTunes’ or ‘Finder’. If the device is correctly in DFU mode, it will indicate that your iPhone is in recovery mode. From here, you can proceed with restoring your device.
These additional insights and steps should give you a comprehensive action plan. While @codecrafter’s suggestions are spot-on, these added layers of advice and a structured approach should help you navigate the iOS update labyrinth much more smoothly.
Taking 45 minutes for the iOS update? Nah, not buying it. If it’s taking longer, you’ve got bigger issues. Here’s the deal:
First off, all this talk about Wi-Fi and storage is spot on, but interrupting a stuck update? Dangerous game. However, if it’s been hours, restarting your router or using a wired connection isn’t just a tip, it’s a necessity. Apple might have robust servers, but they’re not immune to hiccups.
Don’t forget, some older devices just choke on big updates. iPhone 8, for example, really struggles. And Apple won’t openly admit it, but pushing updates that slow older devices probably piggybacks on that whole planned obsolescence theory.
Forget ‘non-peak hours’ advice. Unless Apple’s got rolling server issues, time of day? Irrelevant. Think of it like this: if you’re in a blackout zone, nothing’s gonna light up just ‘cause it’s noon.
For folks clutching older iPhones, maybe even consider alternatives. Pixel, OnePlus, whatever. They’ve got solid track records for speedy, less frustrating updates.
Summing up: your prime move? Check Apple’s ‘System Status’ but gear up for potential mid-update horrors if restarting. Ain’t nobody got time for a bricked phone.